Digital display insert for photo frames

ABSTRACT

A digital display insert for a photo frame comprising a central block housing a processing unit and an edge. The central block having a front surface with a display screen capable of displaying digital images, a back surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. The edge extending at the front surface around a periphery of the central block and capable of removably engaging with the engaging section of the photo frame, such that, the display screen is visible through a viewing window of the photo frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems for digital display, and more particularly, to digital display inserts for photo frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With development in the fields of electronics, communication, and information technology, popularity of digital photo frames has been increasing rapidly. Generally, digital photo frames have low power-consumption displays for displaying images and a memory unit for storing multiple photographs for a longer period of time. Many such digital photo frames have user interface features for controlling the display of digital images where the user can change the photograph as required/desired.

However, the developments in the field of digital photo frames necessitates that the user buys the complete photo frame system i.e. the complete digital photo frame having both the digital display structure and the frame structure, which is quite different from the existing/traditional/old photo frames available at homes, offices, and other places. Sometimes a photo frame may be as or more important than the picture it holds because it may have belonged to a loved one or having a desired shape, configuration, color or design that makes it unique to decorate a room. In such circumstances, the user is generally reluctant in changing and desires to retain the photo frame even when replacing the original photo.

Developments have been seen in the field of digital photo framing systems. The prior arts related to such development includes the following:

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050162555 discloses a digital photo frame device, having a buffer unit that temporarily stores TV signals to be displayed or processed, a compression/decompression engine coupled to the buffer unit for compressing TV signals into an image file or decompressing an image file into TV signals, a video processor displaying the TV signals on a display unit, and an OSD clock display unit that records the current time and stores an OSD time pattern in advance. The publication provides a complete digital photo frame device and does not address the need for retaining an existing photo frame and incorporating the digital image technology to the existing photo frame.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050057578 discloses a digital photo frame having a storage unit for storing various picture data and music data. When displaying a different picture, the matching music is played and the matching digital outer frame pattern is displayed automatically. With a control software, the time display format and position can be set. The publication does not address the need for retaining an exiting photo frame and incorporating the digital image technology to the existing photo frame.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a digital display that may be used in combination with an existing photo frame, to provide a digital photo frame system by retaining the existing photo frame. Also, what is needed is a system that eliminates the need of buying a complete photo frame system, thereby making such systems less expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide digital display inserts for photo frames configured to include all the advantages of the prior arts, and to overcome the drawbacks of the prior arts.

In one aspect of the present invention, a digital display insert for a photo frame comprises a central block housing a processing unit and an edge. The central block having a front surface with a display screen capable of displaying digital images, a back surface running parallely to the front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, and two side surfaces. The edge extending at the front surface around a periphery of the central block and capable of removably engaging with an engaging section of the photo frame, such that, the display screen is visible through a viewing window of the photo frame. Furthermore, the digital display insert may include a photo frame with an engaging section and a viewing window.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view of the digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the digital display insert and the photo frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an assembled perspective view of the digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the assembled digital display insert system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however that the present invention is not limited to a particular digital display insert as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The present invention provides a digital display insert system, and more particularly, provides a digital display insert for a photo frame. The digital display insert has a size, shape and configuration, such that, the digital display insert may be easily received in traditional, contemporary and modem photo frames, and removably engaged therein, using engaging means, i.e., using an engaging section of the photo frame. The digital display insert may be used with photo frames having size dimensions of 4 inches by 6 inches, 5 inches by 7 inches, 8 inches by 10 inches, and the like.

Using the digital display insert of the present invention, the user does not have to remove the back cover as there is no back cover. The digital display insert is operated using buttons that are accessible through small openings on the back of the digital display insert, thereby providing a digital photo frame system that looks as much like the back of a photo frame, and eliminates the need of buying a complete photo frame system and in turn saves cost. Additionally, the digital display insert may replace the glass of the photo frame to eliminate glare. The digital display insert replaces the back cover, stand, glass, and photo.

The digital display insert 100 of the present invention is described with respect to its removable engagement with two kinds of traditional photo frames: a photo frame 200, as shown in FIGS. 1-5; and a photo frame 300, as shown in FIGS. 6, 6A, 7, and 7A.

The photo frame 200 has a frame panel 202 with an outer periphery 204 and an inner periphery 206, and a viewing window 208. The photo frame 200 further has a skirt 210 disposed about the outer periphery 204 on a back portion 250 of the frame panel 202; and tabs 214 configured on suitable positions on the skirt 210. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tabs 214 are configured on vertical ends 212 of the skirt 210. Also, the tabs 214 may be configured on the horizontal ends 216 of the skirt 210. The tabs 214, the frame panel 202 and the skirt 210 are configured to form an engaging section of the frame 200. Traditionally, a photo or any other planar display object is placed upside down on the back portion 250 of the frame panel 202, i.e., a front side of photo having the visual is placed on the back portion 250 of the frame panel 202, such that, the photo may be viewed through the viewing window 208 from a front portion 252 of the photo frame 200. The photo is held in place by placing a back cover (not shown) on the photo, and engaging the back cover with the photo frame 200 using tabs 214 that swivel around to engage the back cover. Alternatively, tabs 214 are structural engaging features that may be bent down from the skirt 210 to engage the back cover.

The photo frame 300 has a frame panel 302 with an outer periphery 304 and an inner periphery 306, and a viewing window 308. The photo frame 300 further has a lip 310 disposed about the outer periphery 304 on two sides 324 and a top 322 on a back portion 350 of the frame panel 302. Particularly, the lip 310 is a portion extending from the back portion 350 of the photo frame 300, and folded against the back portion 350 of the photo frame 300 to form a receiving channel 312 running along the two sides 324 and the top 322 of the frame panel 302. Alternatively, the lip 310 may be configured on the two sides 324 and a bottom 320 of the frame panel 302. The receiving channel 312, the frame panel 302, and the lip 310 are configured to form an engaging section of the photo frame 300. Generally, a photo with a back cover is slid into the receiving channel 312 disposed in an engaging section of the photo frame 300, such that, the photo may be viewed from a front portion (not shown) of the photo frame 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, 6,6A and 7,7A, a digital display insert system 10, 20, comprises a digital display insert 100 removably engaged with the photo frame 200, 300. The digital display insert 100 comprises a central block 102 housing a processing unit. The central block 102 has a substantially rectangular cross section and having a front surface 106 with a display screen 132, a back surface 108 running parallely to the front surface, a top surface 110, a bottom surface 112, and two side surfaces 114. The digital display insert 100 further comprises an edge 150 extending at the front surface 106 about a periphery 104 of the central block 102. The edge 150 has a size and geometry, such that, the edge 150 is capable of being removably engaged with the engaging section of the photo frame 200, 300. Preferably, the edge 150 is in the shape of a rectangular strip having: an edge dimension 152 about the periphery 104 of the central block 102, such that, length and width dimensions of the digital display insert 100 is not greater than length and width dimensions of the photo frame 200, 300; an edge thickness 154 lesser than a thickness of the skirt 210 of the photo frame 200, and lesser than a thickness of the receiving channel 312 of the photo frame 300. More specifically, the edge thickness 154 is dimensioned in such a manner that the digital display insert 100 snugly fits into the photo frame 200, 300. Also, the edge thickness 154 is lesser than a thickness (not shown) of the central block 102, such that, the edge 150 appears as a thinner base from which a thicker central block 102 protrudes. In one embodiment, preferably the edge dimension 152 is 0.5 inch, and the edge thickness 154 is 0.125 inch.

When used with photo frame 200, the digital display insert 100 can be placed on the back portion 250 of the frame panel 202 with the front surface 106 of the digital display insert 100 facing the viewing window 208, such that, the display screen 132 is visible through the viewing window 208 from a front portion 252 of the photo frame 200. In such a placement, the edge 150 contacts the back portion 250 of the frame panel 202 and the skirt 210. The tabs 214 on the vertical ends 212 of the skirt 210 can be swiveled around from a first position (See FIG. 1) to a second position (See FIG. 2), to engage the digital display insert 100 with the photo frame 200. In another embodiment, the tabs 214 are structural engaging features that may be bent down from the skirt 210 to engage the edge 150 of the digital display insert 100.

When used with photo frame 300, the edge 150 of the digital display insert 100 can be slid up through the bottom 320 of the photo frame 300 into the receiving channel 312 with the front surface 106 of the digital display insert 100 facing the back portion 350 of the photo frame 300, such that, the display screen 132 is visible through the viewing window 308 from a front portion (not shown) of the photo frame 300. The digital display insert 100 is held in place in the receiving channel 312 between the lip 310 and the frame panel 302.

Optionally, the edge 150 can have structural feature(s) extending around all or a portion of the edge thickness 154 and edge dimension 152 to enhance or support the engagement of digital display insert 100 to the photo frame 200, 300. Possible structural features include rib(s), protrusion(s), groove(s), shelve(s), barb(s), spoke(s), and the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing features.

Additionally, the digital display insert 100 has placement features (e.g., support features/hanging features) for placement of the digital display insert system 10, 20 on a desired surface. For example, the back surface 108 of the central block 102 has support features, for example, a folding support or stand 116 for flat surface placement. Also, the back surface 108 of the central block 102 can have a hanger 118 for hanging the digital display insert system 10, 20 on a wall.

As stated above, the central block 102 of the digital display insert 100 has a front surface 106 with a display screen 132. Preferably, the display screen 132 is low power consumption display. Suitable displays include liquid crystal displays, organic light emitting displays, field emission displays, and the like. In addition to the display screen 132, the digital display insert 100 may have the regular features that are present in a system for displaying digital images, i.e., regular features of a system for displaying digital photos/pictures and other media. For example, the digital display insert 100 may have a plurality of user interface buttons 120 for controlling the display of digital images on the display screen 132. In one embodiment the user interface buttons 120 comprise: forward/reverse navigation button to navigate to an earlier stored image or a later stored image; slide show button to display a selected set of images as a slide show, i.e., each image will be displayed for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) on the display screen 132 one after the other; a menu button with options for displaying, saving and deleting the pictures to an internal memory (i.e., a microchip, not shown) of the digital display insert 100. Alternatively, or in addition, the user interface may be a touch-screen system or a voice-recognition system. Also, the digital display insert 100 may have an on/off power switch 122 for switching on/off the digital display insert 100.

Alternatively, or in addition to the internal memory for storing data (i.e., images), the digital display insert 100 has memory card slots 124 on the top surface 110 that can receive external memory cards (Secure Data cards, Compact Flash cards, Smart Media cards, and the like) and function as external memory for the digital display insert 100. Using the menu button or the like user interface features, the image(s) stored on the external memory cards may be copied to the internal memory of the digital display insert 100. For example, a flash card from a digital camera may be used to view images on the display screen 132 of the digital display insert 100, and further the images may be copied to the internal memory of the digital display insert 100. Also, the digital display insert 100 has a USB port 126 for USB communications with a digital device capable of storing digital images (e.g., personal computers, personal digital assistants, digital cameras, and the like). The digital display insert 100 memory and data access features are not limited to memory card slots 124 and USB port 126, and numerous other memory and data access features may be present for efficient functioning and utility of the digital display insert 100.

The digital display insert 100 further has a power supply unit for powering the display screen 132 and other components of the digital display insert 100. The power supply unit may be a battery or fuel cell, a direct line from a wall outlet, current from a solar cell or any other power source sufficient to fulfill the power requirements for the digital display insert 100. In one embodiment, the power supply unit is a battery compartment 128 on the back surface 108 of the central block 102, the battery compartment 128 housing a battery pack of AA rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, or in addition, the digital display insert 100 has a 12-volt AC transformer plug 130 on the back surface 108 of the central block 102.

In addition to the regular features, the digital display insert 100 can have a motion sensor 134 (preferably on the front surface 106) capable of tracking presence of the user when in the vicinity of the digital display insert system 10, 20 for switching on the digital display insert 100, when the user is present in the vicinity of the digital display insert system 10, 20, and for switching off the digital display insert 100, when the user is not present in the vicinity of the digital display insert system 10, 20. The motion sensor 134 saves power, thereby enhancing the battery life. The motion sensor 134 further may be used as an on/off power interface in addition to the on/off power switch 122, though it is desirable that the motion sensor 134 operates only when the digital display insert 100 is switched on using the on/off power switch 122.

Also, digital display insert 100 can have an in built micro recorder with a speaker 136 (preferably on the front surface 106) that is capable of recording and producing audio description or music (for example, AM, FM, downloaded music, and any other music source) in synchronization with the display of different images. The micro recorder with the speaker 136 is useful in providing the user with an audible description of each image as displayed on the screen, thereby providing a combination of audio and visual information.

The edge 150 may comprise any material providing sufficient structural integrity to the central block 102 of the digital display insert 100, and also providing an aesthetically pleasing look to the digital display insert 100. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Plexiglas (transparent or translucent) or other equivalent materials ranging from clear to colored materials. Also, the material used for the edge 150 may be chamfered (preferably at corners 156 of the edge 150) to facilitate proper disposal and fitting of the digital display insert 100 in the photo frame 200, 300. Alternatively, the corners 156 of the edge 150 may be curved (See FIG. 1) to facilitate proper disposal and fitting with photo frames having curved corners.

Additionally, a layer of compressible/elastically compressible material may be bonded to the edge 150, preferably about the edge thickness 154, to provide cushioning and fitting allowance to the edge 150 of the digital display insert 100. The compressible material may be bonded to the edge 150 in various fashions, such as thermal bonding (e.g., pattern bonded), ultrasonic bonding, adhesive bonding (e.g., adhesive, resin, and/or latex, impregnation, painting, spraying, and/or the like), and/or mechanical (e.g., through-air dried attachment, and so forth) bonding. Suitable compressible materials include fibrous material, felt material, paper material, and the like.

The surfaces (preferably the surfaces that are exposed) of the central block 102 may be covered with any compressible/elastically compressible or non-compressible material for providing an aesthetically pleasing look (for decorative purposes) to the digital display insert 100, and for further simulating color and texture of the photo frame 200, 300. In one embodiment, the back surface 108, the side surfaces 114, the stand 116 and other exposed surfaces (i.e., the top surface 110 of the digital display insert 100 that are exposed when removably engaged with the photo frame 200, 300), are covered with felt material or paper material, preferably, heavy paper material of a color (dark brown, dark gray, dark green, and the like) and texture that simulates the color and texture of the photo frames. In another embodiment, the back surface 108, the side surfaces 114, the stand 116 and other exposed surfaces, are covered with a mirrored film material (gold, silver and the like) to simulate the color and texture of other photo frames.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A digital display insert for a photo frame, comprising: a central block with a substantially rectangular cross-section, said central block having a front surface with a display screen, a back surface running parallely to said front surface, said central block housing a processing unit for processing data and said display screen capable of displaying data processed by said processing unit; and an edge extending at said front surface around a periphery of said central block; wherein said edge is capable of removably engaging with an engaging section of the photo frame, such that, said display screen is visible through a viewing window of the photo frame.
 2. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein the photo frame comprises: a frame panel with an outer periphery and an inner periphery configuring a viewing window; a skirt disposed about the outer periphery on a back portion of the frame panel; and tabs configured on the skirt; wherein the tabs, frame panel and the skirt are configured to form the engaging section of the photo frame capable of engaging said digital display insert.
 3. The digital display insert of claim 2, wherein said digital display insert is placed on the back portion of the photo frame, such that, said edge contacts the back portion of the frame panel with the skirt, and wherein the tabs on the upper end of the skirt are swiveled around to engage said digital display inert to the photo frame.
 4. The digital display insert of claim 2, wherein said edge has an edge thickness lesser than a thickness of the skirt of the photo frame.
 5. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein the photo frame comprises: a frame panel with an outer periphery and an inner periphery configuring a viewing window; and a lip disposed about the outer periphery on two sides and a top on a back portion of the frame panel to form a receiving channel running along two sides and the top of the frame panel; wherein the receiving channel, frame panel and the lip are configured to form the engaging section of the photo frame capable of engaging said digital display insert.
 6. The digital display insert of claim 5, wherein said digital display insert is slid up through a bottom side of the photo frame into the receiving channel, and engaged therein.
 7. The digital display insert of claim 5, wherein said edge has an edge thickness lesser than a thickness of the receiving channel.
 8. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein said back surface has placement feature for placement of digital display insert with the photo frame on a desired surface.
 9. The digital display insert of claim 8, wherein said placement feature comprises a folding support or stand for flat surface placement of said digital display insert with the photo frame.
 10. The digital display insert of claim 8, wherein said placement feature comprises a hanger for hanging said digital display insert with the photo frame on a wall.
 11. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein said digital display insert has a plurality of user interface buttons for controlling the display of digital images on said display screen.
 13. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein said digital display insert has an internal memory for storing data.
 14. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein said digital display insert has memory card slots capable of receiving external memory cards and functioning as external memory for said digital display insert.
 15. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein said digital display insert has a motion sensor capable of tracking presence of a user in vicinity of said digital display insert, for switching on said digital display insert when the user is present in the vicinity of the digital display insert, and for switching off said digital display insert, when the user is not present in the vicinity of said digital display insert.
 16. The digital display insert of claim 1, wherein said digital display insert has an in built micro recorder with a speaker capable of recording and producing audio description or music in synchronization with the display of different digital images.
 17. A digital display insert system, comprising: a digital display insert having a central block with a substantially rectangular cross-section, said central block having a front surface with a display screen, a back surface running parallely to said front surface, said central block housing a processing unit for processing data and said display screen capable of displaying data processed by said processing unit; and an edge extending at said front surface around a periphery of said central block; a photo frame with an engaging section and a viewing window; wherein said edge of said digital display insert is capable of removably engaging with the engaging section of the photo frame, such that, said display screen of said digital display insert is visible through the viewing window of the photo frame.
 18. The digital display insert system of claim 14, wherein said digital display insert comprises a plurality of user interface buttons for controlling the display of digital images on said display screen.
 19. The digital display insert system of claim 14, wherein said digital display insert has a motion sensor capable of tracking presence of a user in vicinity of said digital display insert, for switching on said digital display insert when the user is present in the vicinity of the digital display insert, and for switching off said digital display insert, when the user is not present in the vicinity of said digital display insert.
 20. The digital display insert system of claim 14, wherein said digital display insert has an in built micro recorder with a speaker capable of recording and producing audio description or music in synchronization with the display of different digital images. 